Combined shopping cart stroller

ABSTRACT

A combined shopping cart stroller having cargo carrying and passenger carrying capabilities is provided. The shopping cart stroller comprises a frame supported on wheels for rolling movement, a seat mounted to the frame and being shiftable between an unfolded position in which the seat is positioned to support the passenger and a folded position in which the folded seat defines a portion of a forward cargo area, a rearward cargo area defined by a rearward portion of the frame, and a lower cargo area defined by a lower portion of the frame.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/636,181, filed Aug. 10, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,523,840 B1, issuedFeb. 25, 2003.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a shopping cart that can also functionas a stroller, child seat carrier, or the like. More specifically, thepresent invention relates generally to a combined shopping cartstroller. The combined shopping cart stroller can have a number of cargocarrying and passenger carrying configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shopping carts and strollers both enjoy widespread use in retailenvironments and elsewhere. On a typical shopping cart, a cargo carryingarea is defined by a rigid frame in the forward portion of the cart. Ausually collapsible rearwardly facing child seat is commonly provided ina rear portion of the frame. On existing shopping carts, the child seatis often sized to accommodate only small children within a certain verylimited size range, and thus such existing shopping carts may not bewell suited to carry larger children and/or infants. Moreover, existingshopping carts are not well suited for carrying certain types of cargo,such as, by way of example, large packages and products or clothing onhangers. Further, existing shopping carts tend to carry all of the cargoin a single area, with no means for separately transporting dissimilargoods or goods of different size and shape. On the other hand, existingchild carriers, strollers, or infant seats are designed specifically forcarrying children and usually have no capacity for safely receiving andtransporting cargo.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a device that safely andeffectively combines one or more of the functions of a shopping cartwith one or more of the functions of a child carrier, stroller, orinfant seat.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a combined shopping cartstroller having cargo carrying and passenger carrying capabilitiesincludes a frame supported on wheels for rolling movement. The frameincludes an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion. A seat ismounted to the frame and includes a generally upright seat back and aseat bottom. The combined shopping cart stroller also includes aplurality of cargo areas. A first cargo area is behind the seat back andis defined in the space generally bounded by the lower frame portion anda rearward portion of the upper frame portion. A second cargo area isbelow the seat bottom. A third cargo area is defined in the spacegenerally bounded by the seat bottom and at least a forward portion ofthe upper frame portion.

In one embodiment, the upper frame portion extends from a point at ornear a forward end of the lower frame portion. In another embodiment,the seat bottom is shiftable between an unfolded position in which theseat bottom is positioned in a generally horizontal orientation tosupport a passenger and a folded position in which the seat bottom ispositioned in a generally upright position, the third cargo area beingexpandable when the seat bottom is in the folded position. In anotherembodiment, the first cargo area includes a flexible cargo bag. In yetanother embodiment, a rearward portion of the upper frame portionincludes a handle. In yet another embodiment, the frame is adapted tosupport an infant seat within the frame-mounted seat.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a combined shopping cartstroller having cargo carrying and passenger carrying capabilitiesincluding a frame supported on wheels for rolling movement, the frameincluding an at least primarily horizontal lower frame portion having aforward end and a rearward end and a curved upper frame portionextending from a point at or near the forward end of the lower frameportion to a point spaced above the rearward end of the lower frameportion. The combined shopping cart stroller also includes a seat backfixed to the frame and a seat bottom movable relative to the seat backbetween an unfolded position in which the seat back and seat bottom arepositioned to support a passenger and a folded position. The frame alsodefines a plurality of cargo areas.

In one embodiment, the plurality of cargo areas includes a cargo areabehind the seat back and defined in the space generally bounded by thelower frame portion and a rearward portion of the upper frame portion.In another embodiment, the rearward portion of the upper frame portionincludes a handle, the handle defining a cargo area. In yet anotherembodiment, the frame includes a floor defining at least a portion of acargo area. In another embodiment, the frame includes a cargo areadefined in the space generally bounded by the seat bottom and a forwardportion of the upper frame portion, the cargo area being expandable whenthe seat bottom is in the folded position.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to a shopping cart includinga lower frame portion supported on wheels for rolling movement and anupper frame portion supported by the lower frame portion, the upperframe portion including a handle. A seat back is mounted on the upperframe portion and spaced from the handle. A seat bottom is mounted onthe seat back and located at least in part between the seat back and theupper frame portion. The shopping cart further includes a first cargoarea in the space at least partially defined by the handle, the seatback, and the lower frame portion, a second cargo area in the spacebelow the seat bottom and bounded by the lower frame portion, and athird cargo area in the space at least partially defined by the seatbottom and the upper frame portion.

Other objects, features and advantages are inherent in the apparatusclaimed and disclosed or will become apparent to those skilled in theart from the following detailed description and its accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a combined shopping cart strollerassembled in accordance with the teachings of a first preferredembodiment of the present invention and which is adapted to receive aflexible net cargo bag illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the shopping cart illustrated inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the flexible cargo bag adapted forattachment to the shopping cart illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective of the shoppingcart of FIGS. 1-3 which illustrates the construction of the frame ingreater detail;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating the upper portion ofthe frame in greater detail;

FIGS. 7A through 7D are enlarged views of connector plates for use atthe interface between the upper portion of the frame and the lowerportion of the frame;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the lower portion of theframe;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 9—9 of FIG.8;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view in perspective of the handle unit;

FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the handle unit illustrated in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front side elevational view thereof;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13—13 of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view in perspective of a portion ofthe seat unit and illustrating the seat back;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the portion of the seating unitillustrated in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a front side elevational view of the seat back illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the seat back illustrated in FIGS. 14through 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view in perspective of a seat bottom;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of the seat bottom illustrated in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view taken along line 20—20 of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a deck platform for attachment to theframe;

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of the deck platform of FIG. 21;

FIG. 23 is an enlarged and partially exploded view in perspective of aZ-shaped bracket for use in attaching the restraint bar to the frame;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the restraint bar;

FIG. 25 is a front elevational view of an informational placard for usewith the seat back of the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of an informational placard for usewith the handle;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a shopping cart assembled in accordancewith the teachings of a second preferred embodiment of the presentinvention and illustrating the seat in an unfolded and passengercarrying position;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 27 but illustrating theseat in a folded position;

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the shopping cart illustrated inFIGS. 27 and 28;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of the shopping cart illustrated in FIGS. 27through 29;

FIG. 31 is a front elevational view of the shopping cart illustrated inFIGS. 27 through 30;

FIG. 32 is a rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 33 is a fragmentary view in perspective illustrating the handle,the storage bin and segregated pockets in the rearward portion of thenet cargo bag;

FIG. 34 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 27 but showing an infantseat supported by the shopping cart;

FIG. 35 is a side elevational view of the shopping cart illustrated inFIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 29 showing the seatpositioned to receive a child and cargo stored in various locations;

FIG. 37 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 36 but showing theseat in a folded position with additional cargo carried by the shoppingcart;

FIG. 38 is a side elevational view of two shopping carts assembled inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention which areillustrated in a nested arrangement;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a shopping cart assembled in accordancewith the teachings of a third preferred embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 40 is a side elevational view of the shopping cart illustrated inFIG. 39.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of the following embodiments is not intendedto limit the scope of the invention to the precise form or formsdisclosed, but instead is intended to be illustrative of the principlesof the invention so that others skilled in the art may follow itsteachings.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8 of the drawings, a combined shopping cartstroller assembled in accordance with the teachings of a first preferredembodiment of the present invention is generally referred to by thereference numeral 10. The shopping cart 10 includes a frame 12 supportedon a pair of rear wheels 14 and a pair of front wheels 16, with each ofthe front wheels 16 being mounted on a caster 16 a. In accordance withthe embodiment shown, the configuration is a four-wheeled configuration.

Alternatively, the shopping cart 10 may have a three-wheeledconfiguration. The frame may be constructed of tubular aluminum orsteel, or any other suitable material such as plastic as long asstrength and durability considerations are satisfied. In accordance withthe illustrated embodiment, one or more wheel guards 17 may be providedgenerally adjacent the rear wheels 16 as shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5 and 8.Preferably, the wheel guards 17 may be formed from a bent tube or a bentrod, which may be welded to the frame or inserted in correspondingapertures (not shown) in the frame or partially welded and partiallyinserted into the frame 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, a seat, generally indicated at 18, is mounted to theframe 12 and includes a seat bottom 20 and a generally upright seat back22. The seat bottom 20 is mounted to a seat rod or a pivot rod 24(visible in FIG. 1) such that the seat bottom 20 can pivot or otherwiseshift through a full range of motion between two distinct positions. Inparticular, the seat bottom 20 may be positioned in a generallyhorizontal, unfolded position, in which the seat bottom 20 is positionedto support a passenger (such as in a manner similar to that shown inFIG. 27 and described below with respect to a second preferredembodiment), and a generally upright, folded position as shown in FIG.1. When in the unfolded position, the seat bottom 20 may be supported ona pair of tabs 21. Additionally, the seat bottom 20 may support apackage or other item when the seat 18 is not occupied.

The shopping cart 10 includes a front end 26, a rear end 28, and a lowerarea 30. A first cargo area 32 is defined generally adjacent the rearend 28 of the shopping cart 10 (viewing FIG. 1, the first cargo area 32may be created by securing a flexible net cargo bag 64, illustrated inFIG. 4, to the frame 12 in a manner to be discussed in greater detailbelow). A second cargo area 34 is defined generally adjacent the lowerarea 30. A third cargo area 36 is defined generally in the area normallyoccupied by the seat bottom 20. The third cargo area 36 can be enlargedupon folding the seat bottom 20 to the folded position as shown in FIG.1.

As shown in FIGS, 1-3 and 5-9, the frame 12 includes a generallyU-shaped lower section 37 having a pair of lower rails 38, 40 which areconnected by a front cross bar 42. One or more intermediate cross bars44 may be provided. A front caster support 46 extends between the lowerrails 38, 40 in a position to support the casters 16 a for the frontwheels 16 in a known manner. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the castersupport 46 includes a generally U-shaped portion 47 and a pair offlanges 49, 51. The caster support 46 may be formed from a flat patternplate. Other suitable structures for the caster support 46 may besubstituted. Further, the casters 16 a may be connected directly to aportion of the lower section 37 of the frame 12. It will be appreciatedthat the cross bar 42 may also act as a footrest 48.

As shown in FIGS. 1,3 and 21-22, a bolt-in deck unit 53 may be provided.The deck unit 53 may be constructed of any suitable material, such aspolypropylene, and includes four sides 53 a through 53 d. Preferably,the sides 53 a through 53 c will be curved or otherwise shaped tocorrespond to the shape of the underlying portions of the lower section37 of the frame 12, namely, the lower rails 38, 40 and the cross bar 42.The deck unit 53 will preferably include a series of indentations 53 f.Alternatively, the deck unit 53 may be a solid or perforated platform ora wire grate, although it may be formed of webbing or a plurality offlexible straps or any other suitable construction.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3 and 5-6, the frame 12 also includes anupper frame 13 which includes pair of sloping rails 50, 52, each ofwhich may be constructed as shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5and 6, the sloping rails 50, 52 extend generally rearwardly and upwardlyto a handle 54 (FIGS. 1 and 2). The handle 54 may include a pair ofapertures 54 e and 54 f (FIGS. 10 and 12), which are sized to receiveends 50 a, 50 b, of the sloping rails 50, 52. Alternatively, the ends 50a, 50 b of the sloping rails 50, 52 may be attached to handle 54 usingany suitable fasteners. In yet another manner, a portion of the handle54 may be integrally formed with the sloping rails 50, 52 of the frame12. One or more generally vertical uprights or intermediate supports 56may be provided between the sloping rails 50, 52 and the lower rails 38,40 of the lower section 37. The uprights 56 include upper ends 56 a andlower ends 56 b.

As shown in FIG. 6, the sloping rails 50, 52 include lower ends 50 c, 50d, and, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5-7, the lower ends 50 c, 50 d eachmay have attached thereto a connector plate 57, which connector plate 57is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 7A through 7D. A connector plate mayalso be provided at the lower ends 56 b of the uprights 56. Theconnector plate 57 may be welded to the respective lower ends 50 c, 50 dof the sloping rails 50, 52 and the lower ends 56 b of the uprights 56,and may further be shaped to correspond to the curvature of theunderlying edge 53 a-53 c of the deck 53 at the point of connection.Similarly, additional connector plates 57 may be provided beneath thelower frame rails 38, 40 at the point of connection. The deck unit 53 isthus clamped in place between the connector plates 57 and the underlyinglower frame rails 38, 40. The forward edge 53 b of the deck 53 may alsobe secured, such as by self-tapping screws or other suitable fasteners(not shown) to the front rail 42 of the lower frame 37. As such, theupper frame 13 of FIG. 6 may be bolted or otherwise secured to the lowerframe 37 of FIG. 8 in order to form the frame 12.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the handle54 includes a pair of cross bars 54 a and 54 b, with the cross bar 54 bbeing shaped for grasping by a user (not shown). A plurality of snaps 55are provided on the cross bar 54 a, thus providing for the attachment ofthe cargo bag 64 (shown in FIG. 4 and discussed in greater detailbelow). As shown in FIGS. 10-13, the handle 54 includes a pair of legs54 c and 54 d, which interconnect the cross bars 54 a and 54 b. The legs54 c and 54 d may be provided with one or more indentations or notches63 which are sized to receive therein a hanger such as a garment hanger(not shown) of the type commonly encountered in a retail establishment.Additionally, a rearwardly facing hook 69 may be provided on the crossbar 54 b. Finally, the cross bar 54 a may be provided with a flat area54 g which is sized to receive an informational placard 54 h(illustrated in FIG. 26).

In further accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, itwill be noted that the seat 18 may be a separate unit which is bolted,riveted, or otherwise suitably secured to the sloping rails 50, 52 ofthe frame 12, such as by a plurality of fasteners 58. Preferably, thecomponents of the seat 18 (i.e., the seat bottom 20 and the seat back22) each may be formed as a molded unit, such as from ABS plastic,polypropylene, or any other suitable material. The seat 18 is preferablyprovided with a seatbelt (not shown, but which may be a seatbelt similarto the seatbelt 160 illustrated in FIGS. 27 and 30 with respect to thesecond embodiment). The seatbelt is preferably of the “T” strap designknown in the art. One or more apertures and/or handles 60 a may beprovided in the seat platform 20 as required. Further, a restraint bar62 may be provided which extends across the front of the seat generallybetween the sloping rails 50, 52 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. All or a portionof the restraint bar 62 may be covered or otherwise encapsulated in aresilient padding material (FIGS. 23 and 24), such as foam padding orother materials that would be known to those of skill in the art, andthe restraint bar 62 may perform an additional function as will beexplained in greater detail below.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 14 and 16, the seat back 22 may be provided withan indentation 23 a surrounded by a ridge 23 b. The indentation is sizedto receive therein an informational placard 23 c illustrated in FIG. 25.Also, the seat back 22 may be provided with a pair of side panels 23 d.

Referring now to FIG. 23, the restraint bar 62 may be constructed from apair of Z-shaped brackets 61, each of which includes a base leg 61 a forattachment to and adjacent one of the sloping rails 50, 52, anintermediate leg 61 b, and a horizontally extending leg 61 c. Therestraint bar 62 may further include a cross bar 63, which may beconstructed as shown in FIG. 24. As shown therein, the cross bar 63 mayinclude a relatively rigid inner section 63 a surrounded by a relativelysoft outer section 63 b. The outer section 63 b may be provided with anumber of circumferentially spaced longitudinal ribs 63 c.

In the preferred embodiment, and referring now to FIG. 4, the firstcargo area 32 (visible in FIGS. 1 and 2) is provided with the cargo bag64, which may be constructed of nylon mesh or other suitable flexiblematerials. Such nylon mesh or other suitable materials are readilyavailable and may be easily sized to meet dimensional requirements. Thecargo bag 64 includes a front wall 66, a back wall 68, interconnectingsidewalls 70, 72, and a floor 74. Preferably, one or more horizontallydisposed stiffeners 75 are provided. In the embodiment shown, two suchstiffeners 75 are used on the bottom wall 74, while another stiffener 75is used along a top edge 66 a of the front wall. Yet another stiffener75 may be provided along the back wall 68 if desired. The back wall 68includes an upper edge 68 a that is provided with a plurality ofgrommets 68 b. The number of grommets 68 b will preferably correspond tothe number of snaps 55 on the cross bar 54 b of the handle 54. As shownin FIGS. 10-13, the snaps 55 may include a pair of posts 55 a, 55 b,each of which is deflectable in response to placement of one of thegrommets 68 b thereon. Each of the posts 55 a, 55 b further includes aretaining ledge 55 c (best visible in FIGS. 11 and 13). The grommets 68b are sized for placement on the snaps 55 and will be retained by theledges 55 c in order to provide a secure connection. Other forms ofattachment may also be contemplated. The cargo bag may also include apair of opposing flaps 77, each of which includes a grommet 77 a, inorder to engage corresponding snaps on the legs of the handle 54 (notshown) to provide additional securement of the cargo bag 64. At leastone of the front wall 66, the back wall 68, or the side walls 70, 72 maybe provided with one or more pockets 76 which, in the embodiment shown,are disposed on the back wall 68.

The cargo bag 64 may include a pair of longitudinal loops 78, 80 whichpermit securement to the sloping rails 50, 52 of the frame 12.Additionally, the cargo bag 64 may include a cross panel 82 that may besecured to the handle 54 by a plurality of suitable fasteners. The upperportions 70 a, 72 a of the sidewalls 70, 72 may comprise side panelsinstead of the cross panel 82 and the loops 78, 80. Additionally, thecargo bag 64 may include a pair of hooks 64 a, 64 b at the lower cornersof the front wall 66 to provide additional securement to the frame 12.

In operation, the shopping cart 10 may be configured with the seatbottom 20 in the unfolded and generally horizontal position (in a mannersimilar to that shown in FIG. 27), such that a child may sit on the seatbottom 20. When so configured, one or more items (such as items similarto item 190 shown below in FIGS. 36 and 37 with respect to the secondembodiment) may be stored in the cargo area 32 supported by the cargobag 64. Further, one or more items 192 may be stored in the lower cargoarea 34 supported by the floor 46. Additional items such as purses,shopping bags, or other items (not shown) may be supported on the hook69 defined in the handle 54 (FIGS. 10 and 11).

Many times a child is not being transported in the shopping cart 10 andit may be desirable to carry additional cargo in the space otherwiseoccupied by the child. The seat bottom 20 of the seat 18 can be leftdown in the unfolded position in which packages and the like can beplaced directly in the seat 18 in the cargo area 36, or the seat bottom20 can be folded to the position of FIG. 1 such that it is disposedgenerally adjacent to the seat back 22 to create an expanded cargo areawhich can then receive an additional larger item therein (such as theitem 194 shown in FIG. 37). When the seat bottom 20 of the seat 18 isfolded, it will be noted that the creation of an expanded cargo arearesults from the continuity between the area defining the cargo area 36and the cargo area 34 allowing useful cargo area to extend fartherforward as well.

It will also be noted that the shopping cart 10 may serve the additionalfunction of accommodating an infant seat. This additional function isexplained in greater detail below with respect to the second embodiment.It will be understood, however, that the above-described firstembodiment may perform this added function in a similar manner.

Referring now to FIGS. 27-37 of the drawings, a shopping cart assembledin accordance with the teachings of a second preferred embodiment of thepresent invention is generally referred to by the reference numeral 110.The shopping cart 110 includes a frame 112 supported on a pair of rearwheels 114 and a pair of front wheels 116, with each of the front wheels116 being mounted on a caster 116 a. The configuration shown is afour-wheeled configuration. In accordance with a preferred embodiment,wheel guards 117 may be provided generally adjacent the rear wheels 116.

A seat 118 is mounted to the frame 112. The seat 118 includes a seatbottom 120 and a generally upright seat back 122. The seat bottom 120 ismounted to a pivot 124 (visible in FIG. 28) such that the seat bottom120 can pivot or otherwise shift between two distinct positions. Inparticular, the seat bottom 120 can pivot or shift between the unfoldedposition of FIGS. 27, 30 and 31, and the folded position of FIG. 28.

The shopping cart 110 includes a front end 126, a rear end 128, and alower area 130. A first cargo area 132 is defined generally adjacent therear end 128 of the shopping cart 110. A second cargo area 134 isdefined generally adjacent the lower area 130. A third cargo area 136 isdefined generally in the area normally occupied by the seat 118. Thethird cargo area 136 can be enlarged by folding the seat bottom 120 tothe folded position as shown in FIG. 37.

The frame 112 includes a pair of lower rails 138, 140 which areconnected by a front cross bar 142 and one or more intermediate crossbars 144. A floor 146 extends between the lower rails 138, 140 thatslope upwardly toward the front end 126 of the shopping cart 110. Inthis manner, the cross bar 142 is slightly raised to form a portion of afootrest 148. Alternatively, the lower rails 138, 140 may extendstraight out or straight up. As shown, the floor 146 is a grate.Alternatively, the floor 146 may be a solid or perforated platform, orformed of webbing or a plurality of flexible straps.

The frame 112 also includes a pair of sloping rails 150, 152 whichextend generally rearwardly and upwardly to a handle 154. The handle 154may be attached to the sloping rails 150, 152 by any suitable fasteners.Alternatively, the handle 154 may be integrally formed with the slopingrails 150, 152 of the frame 112. One or more uprights or intermediatesupports 156 may be provided between the sloping rails 150, 152 and thelower rails 138, 140.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the handle 154 mayinclude a storage bin 155 and/or a cupholder 157, thus providingadditional cargo space. As shown in FIG. 33, the handle 154 includes across member 159 and three legs 161 a, 161 b, and 161 c. One or more ofthe legs 161 a, 161 b, and 161 c, and/or the cross member 159 may beprovided with one or more indentations or notches 163 which are sized toreceive therein a hanger such as a garment hanger (not shown) of thetype commonly encountered in a retail establishment.

The storage bin 155 and the cupholder 157 may be formed from a singleunit 165, such as a molded plastic unit. The unit 165 includes a pair ofwalls 167 that may additionally function as cross members. Additionallyone or more rearwardly facing hooks 169 may be provided (FIGS. 30 and33) on the rearmost wall 167.

In further accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, it willbe noted that the seat 118 may be a separate unit which is bolted,riveted, or otherwise suitably secured to the frame 112 such as by aplurality of fasteners 158 secured to the sloping rails 150, 152.Preferably, the seat is molded or otherwise formed of polypropylene orABS plastic or any other suitable material. The seat 118 is preferablyprovided with a seatbelt 160 that is preferably of the “T” strap designknown in the art. Further, a restraint bar 162 may be provided whichextends across the front of the seat generally between the sloping rails150, 152. All or a portion of the restraint bar 162 may be covered orotherwise encapsulated in a resilient padding material, such as foampadding or other materials that would be known to those of skill in theart. It will be noted that the restraint bar 162 may perform at leastone additional function, i.e., helping to support an infant seat, aswill be explained in greater detail below.

In the preferred embodiment, the cargo area 132 is provided with a netcargo bag 164, which is preferably a flexible net cargo bag constructedof, by way of example and not limitation, a nylon mesh material, whichis readily available and which may be easily sized to meet dimensionalrequirements. The cargo bag 164 includes a front wall 166 (obscured bythe seat back 122 in FIG. 1), a back wall 68, interconnecting sidewalls170, 172, and a floor 174. At least one of the front wall 66, the backwall 168, or the side walls 170, 172 may be provided with one or morepockets 176. In the embodiment shown, the pockets 176 are disposed onthe back wall 168.

The cargo bag 164 may include a pair of longitudinal loops 178, 180which permit securement to the sloping rails 150, 152 of the frame.Additionally, the cargo bag 164 may include a cross panel 182 that maybe secured to the wall 167 of the storage unit 165 by a plurality ofsuitable fasteners 184.

In operation, the shopping cart 110 may be configured as shown in FIG.27 such that a child may sit on the seat bottom 120. When so configured,one or more items (such as the items similar to the items 190 shownbelow in FIGS. 36 and 37 with respect to the second embodiment) may bestored in the cargo area 132 supported by the cargo bag 164. Further,one or more items 192 may be stored in the lower cargo area 134supported by the floor 146. Additional items (not shown) may be storedin the storage unit 165, such as in the bin 155 or in the cupholder 157.Still further, one or more hanger supported items, purses, shoppingbags, or other items (not shown) may be supported on the notches 163defined in the handle 154 or on the hooks 169 (FIG. 33).

Many times a child is not being transported in the shopping cart 110 andit may be desirable to carry additional cargo in the space otherwiseoccupied by the child. The seat bottom 120 of the seat 118 can be leftdown in the unfolded position in which packages and the like can beplaced directly in the seat 118 in the cargo area 136, or the seatbottom 120 can be folded to the position of FIGS. 28 and 37 such that itis disposed generally adjacent to the seat back 122 to create anexpanded cargo area which can then receive an additional larger item 194therein. When the seat bottom 120 of the seat 118 is folded, it will benoted that the creation of the expanded cargo area results from thecontinuity between the area defining the cargo area 136 and the cargoarea 134 allowing useful cargo area to extend farther forward as well.

Referring now to FIGS. 34 and 35, it will be noted that the shoppingcart 110 may function to receive a commercially available infant seat186. In the embodiment shown, the shopping cart 110 is arranged so thatthe infant seat 186 is supported generally within the seat 118 and therestraint bar 162 is sized and positioned to engage a slot 188 which isnormally provided in commercially available infant seats. As will alsobe appreciated, the seat belt 160 for the seat 118 serves to furthersecure the infant seat 186 in place generally within the seat 118 in theshopping cart 110.

Referring now to FIG. 38, it will be noted that because of spaceconsiderations it is often desirable to store unused shopping carts in anested arrangement. The front end of one cart generally nests within aspace defined in the rear end of another similar shopping cart.Accordingly, the rear wheels 116 and the lower rails 138, 140 on theshopping cart 110A shown to the left of FIG. 38 are sized and spaced toreceive the front end of a similar shopping cart (here designated asshopping cart 110B). Thus the shopping carts 110A and 110B may be storedin the desired nested arrangement. As will be noted, the cargo bag 164on the shopping cart 110A does not interfere with this nestedarrangement, as the cargo bag 164 simply folds out of the way.

Referring now to FIGS. 39 and 40, a shopping cart assembled inaccordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention isgenerally referred to by the reference numeral 210. It will beunderstood that each of the elements of the shopping cart 210 that arethe same or similar to the shopping cart 10 discussed above will retainthe same reference numerals, albeit increased by 200. The shopping cart210 includes a frame 212 supported on a pair of rear wheels 214 whichmay be provided with wheel guards and a pair of front wheels 216, witheach of the front wheels being supported on casters 216 a. A pair ofseats 218 and 218 a are mounted to the frame 212, wherein the seat 218includes a seat bottom 220 and a generally upright seat back 222, whilethe seat 218 a includes a seat bottom 220 a and a seat back 222 a. Itwill be seen that the seat bottoms 220 and 220 a are mounted to suitablepivots such that the seat bottoms 220 and 220 a each can pivot orotherwise shift between unfolded and folded positions. In thisconnection, the manner of pivoting or shifting the seat bottoms 220 and220 a is similar to that described above with respect to the first andsecond preferred embodiments and, as before, a restraint bar 262 can beprovided in front of the seat 218.

The shopping cart 210 includes a front end 226, a rear end 228, and alower area 230. A first cargo area 232 is defined generally adjacent therear end 228 of the shopping cart 210, and a second cargo area 234 isdefined generally adjacent the lower area 230. The shopping cart 210 mayalso include a first additional cargo area 236 formed in the areanormally occupied by the seat 218. The first additional cargo area 236is formed by folding the seat bottom 220 to the folded position asdescribed above. Similarly, a second additional cargo area 236 a may beformed in the area normally occupied by the seat 218 a by folding theseat bottom 220 a to the folded position as described above. Theshopping cart 210 will preferably include a flexible net cargo bag 264in the cargo area 232.

The frame 212 includes a pair of lower rails 238, 240 which areconnected by a front cross bar 242 and one or more intermediate crossbars 244. A floor 246 extends between the lower rails 238, 240. Thelower rails 238, 240 slope upwardly toward the front end 226 of theshopping cart 210 such that such that the cross bar 242 is slightlyraised to form a portion of a footrest 248.

The frame 212 also includes a pair of sloping rails 250, 252 whichextend generally rearwardly and upwardly to a handle 254. The handle 254may be attached to the sloping rails 250, 252 by any suitable fasteners.Alternatively, the handle 254 may be integrally formed with the slopingrails 250, 252 of the frame 212. One or more uprights or intermediatesupports 256 may be provided between the sloping rails 250, 252 and thelower rails 238, 240.

Equipped with two seats 218 and 218 a, the shopping cart 210 may carrytwo children (not shown) and at least one of the children may be securedto the shopping cart 210 in an infant seat in the manner described abovewith respect to the second preferred embodiment (as shown in FIG. 34).

Although certain exemplary embodiments constructed in accordance withthe teachings of the invention have been described herein, the scope ofcoverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, thispatent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the invention fairlyfalling within the scope of the appended claims either literally orunder the doctrine of equivalents.

What is claimed:
 1. A combined shopping cart stroller having cargocarrying and passenger carrying capabilities comprising: a frame havingan upper frame portion and a lower frame portion, the frame beingsupported on wheels for rolling movement, wherein the upper frameportion extends from a point at or near a forward end of the lower frameportion; a seat mounted to the frame and including a generally uprightseat back and a seat bottom; and a plurality of cargo areas including afirst cargo area behind the seat back and defined in the space generallybounded by the lower frame portion and a rearward portion of the upperframe portion, a second cargo area below the seat bottom, and a thirdcargo area defined in the space generally above the seat bottom andbounded by the seat bottom and at least a forward portion of the upperframe portion.
 2. The combined shopping cart stroller of claim 1,wherein the seat bottom is shiftable between an unfolded position inwhich the seat bottom is positioned in a generally horizontalorientation to support a passenger and a folded position in which theseat bottom is positioned in a generally upright orientation, the thirdcargo area being expandable when the seat bottom is in the foldedposition.
 3. The combined shopping cart stroller of claim 1, wherein thefirst cargo area includes a flexible cargo bag.
 4. The combined shoppingcart stroller of claim 3, wherein the cargo bag includes a plurality ofpockets.
 5. The combined shopping cart stroller of claim 3, wherein thecargo bag includes at least one stiffener.
 6. The combined shopping cartstroller of claim 1, wherein a rearward portion of the frame includes ahandle.
 7. The combined shopping cart stroller of claim 6, wherein thehandle includes a storage bin.
 8. The combined shopping cart stroller ofclaim 6, wherein the handle includes a cup holder.
 9. The combinedshopping cart stroller of claim 6, wherein a portion of the handle isadapted to support a garment hanger.
 10. The combined shopping cartstroller of claim 1, wherein the frame is adapted to support an infantseat within the frame-mounted seat.
 11. The combined shopping cartstroller of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a cross bar spaced fromthe seat to define a passenger restraint.
 12. The combined shopping cartstroller of claim 1, wherein the frame includes a front end and a rearend, the front and rear ends formed so that the front end of theshopping cart is nestable with a rear end of a similar shopping cart.13. The combined shopping cart stroller of claim 1, wherein the frameincludes a floor defining at least a portion of the second cargo area.14. A combined shopping cart stroller having cargo carrying andpassenger carrying capabilities comprising: a frame supported forrolling movement including an at least primarily horizontal lower frameportion having a forward end and a rearward end, and a curved upperframe portion extending from a point at or near the forward end of thelower frame portion to a point spaced above the rearward end of thelower frame portion; a seat back fixed to the frame; a seat bottommovable relative to the seat back between an unfolded position in whichthe seat back and seat bottom are positioned to support a passenger anda folded position; and a plurality of cargo areas defined by the frame;wherein one of the plurality of cargo areas is defined in the spacegenerally bounded by the seat bottom and a forward portion of the upperframe portion and expandable when the seat bottom is in the foldedposition.
 15. The combined shopping cart stroller of claim 14, whereinthe plurality of cargo areas defined by the frame includes a first cargoarea behind the seat back and defined in the space generally bounded bythe lower frame portion and a rearward portion of the upper frameportion.
 16. The combined shopping cart stroller of claim 15, whereinthe first cargo area is defined in part by a flexible cargo bag.
 17. Thecombined shopping cart stroller of claim 14, wherein a rearward portionof the upper frame portion includes a handle.
 18. The combined shoppingcart stroller of claim 17, wherein the handle at least partially definesa cargo area.
 19. The combined shopping cart stroller of claim 14,wherein the frame includes a cross bar spaced from the seat to define apassenger restraint.
 20. The combined shopping cart stroller of claim14, wherein the frame is adapted to support an infant seat within theframe-mounted seat.
 21. The combined shopping cart stroller of claim 14,wherein the frame includes a front end and a rear end, the front andrear ends formed so that the front end of the shopping cart is nestablewith a rear end of a similar shopping cart.
 22. The combined shoppingcart stroller of claim 14, wherein the frame includes a floor definingat least a portion of a cargo area.
 23. A shopping cart comprising: alower frame portion supported on wheels for rolling movement; an upperframe portion supported by the lower frame portion, the upper frameportion including a handle, the upper frame portion extending from apoint at or near a forward end of the lower frame portion; a seat backmounted on the upper frame portion and spaced from the handle; a seatbottom mounted on the seat back and located at least in part between theseat back and the upper frame portion; a first cargo area in the spaceat least partially defined by the handle, the seat back, and the lowerframe portion; a second cargo area in the space below the seat bottomand bounded by the lower frame portion; and a third cargo area in thespace at least partially defined by the seat bottom and the upper frameportion.
 24. The shopping cart of claim 23, wherein the seat bottom isshiftable between an unfolded position in which the seat bottom ispositioned to support a passenger and a folded position, the third cargoarea being expandable when the seat bottom is in the folded position.25. The shopping cart of claim 23, wherein the first cargo area includesa flexible cargo bag.
 26. The shopping cart of claim 23, wherein theshopping cart is adapted to support an infant seat within theframe-mounted seat.
 27. The shopping cart of claim 23, wherein the lowerframe portion includes a floor defining at least a portion of the secondcargo area.
 28. The shopping cart of claim 23, wherein the handle atleast partially defines a fourth cargo area.
 29. A combined shoppingcart stroller having cargo carrying and passenger carrying capabilitiescomprising: a frame supported for rolling movement including a front endand a rear end, the front and rear ends formed so that the front end ofthe shopping cart is nestable with a rear end of a similar shoppingcart, an at least primarily horizontal lower frame portion having aforward end and a rearward end, and a curved upper frame portionextending from a point at or near the forward end of the lower frameportion to a point spaced above the rearward end of the lower frameportion; a seat back fixed to the frame; a seat bottom movable relativeto the seat back between an unfolded position in which the seat back andseat bottom are positioned to support a passenger and a folded position;and a plurality of cargo areas defined by the frame.